Forum Discussion

Maxtorr's avatar
Maxtorr
Explorer
Jun 07, 2013

Voltage Controller / Autoformer

I set up at a campground on, 50 amp post with two 20 amp connections. My rig is 30 amps so I used a ‘dogbone’? too be able to hook into 50 amps. I had a Power Master 30 amp inline, something over the warranty period, maybe 3 or 4 years old, would have to find my receipt to be sure. At first power was showing around 122 amps, gradually as the day wore on and more people showed up the amps kept dropping until around 110, It was a hot day in the 80’s. I checked the Power Master Voltage Controller the red boost light was on. It was not on earlier and I have seldom seen it on. Much later in the day my power went off completely. Eventually I traced it to the Power Master, the yellow light would come on but no electricity was passing through it. So I took it completely off line. It was pretty hot, not too hot to touch but much hotter than normal. I was hoping when it cooled down it would go back to working, no such luck after testing over a couple days it failed to work again. I moved to another sight and no further electrical problems. Of course I called the Power Master mfg. and explained what has happened, they suggested I send it in (from NC to CA) and they would check it, I’m not sure but I think he said the checking fee would be something around $100 but I may have misunderstood that. He has a foreign accent and I was having problems understanding everything he said. Seemed very nice and I have no complaints about that, he was trying to be helpful. As I see it just guessing the shipping would be around $35 or $40 each way and another $100 for checking it. A new one sells for around $500. Hughes has a cheaper one. Might be better off just buying a new one?

Would like to hear your thoughts on the matter, not looking to start an argument about there use, good or bad. I have little just basic knowledge about electricity and none about Auto formers or voltage controllers. Maybe I just overworked mine that day? Any and all suggestions appreciated. I have owned and used autoformers since I burnt up an a/c in 1998 over low power and never had low power problems again.

Power Master Voltage Controller
VC-30 Input: 30 96 VAC min.
Output: 108 VAC min.


2001 Fleetwood Southwind 34R
Located in High Point, NC

Feel free to move to another catagory if this is the wrong one.
Class A
  • zman-az's avatar
    zman-az
    Explorer
    Jun 08, 2013
    Maxtorr wrote:
    I don't understand amps, volts, legs and all the stuff.


    It's simple.

    V = IxR
    P = IxE
  • Maxtorr's avatar
    Maxtorr
    Explorer
    Jun 07, 2013
    CA is certainly a beautiful state I would like to visit again but got to save the $$$ for a new voltage /autoformer.

    Darn, I was hoping you guys could tell me the magic code to fix my old one.

    I did send a copy to MFG. but suspect since the warranty is past there is nothing they can do.

    Certainly appreciate your replys.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Jun 07, 2013
    Sounds like and excuse to visit Disyneyland (not Disneyworld) to me (That is in CA so you can hand deliver while on the west coast).

    Seriously. Sounds like the transformer in the powermaster may have failed, It is fairly easy to test that but to do a full test is a bit more complex.
  • Maxtorr's avatar
    Maxtorr
    Explorer
    Jun 07, 2013
    Phil you a more than likely right about my being confused, I don't understand amps, volts, legs and all the stuff. Had it explained to me before but just over my head.

    I do appreciate you taking the time to respond,
  • Fishinghat's avatar
    Fishinghat
    Explorer II
    Jun 07, 2013
    To start with, you may have amperage confused with voltage. The 122 amps you mentioned was probably 122 volts, which dropped to 110 due to demand. I believe 107 volts is the standard minimum the power companies try to maintain. (I found out my coach's electrical system won't accept voltage that low, so I had to resort to using a battery charger. I complained to the local power company and the technician that checked out the electrical service indicated their regular sub-station was out of service and the alternate station was overloaded. However, he said their minimum of 107 was being met.)

    Second, the power post you were connected to should have had two 120 volt "legs" to supply the 50 amp plug, which actually has two 50 amp legs for a total of 100 amps. I don't know how the remaining plugs were wired, but it is possible they all were connected to only one "leg". So, when you connected your "dog bone" to two of the 20 amp plugs, you may have had 50 amps of potential service, but the circuit breakers should have limited that to 40 amps. Still, that is quite a bit of amperage and your Southwind shouldn't have overloaded that power post. I'm surprised the campground with 50 amp posts would have an overload problem when many or most of the sites are in use.

    Your voltage controller's job would be to increase the voltage to 120 volts from the lower feed of 110. That shouldn't have overheated the controller, but warming it up a little would have been normal. I can't offer any insight into having your Power Master checked or buying the Hughes. However, your decision to use a voltage monitor/controller is a wise one.
  • deadbat's avatar
    deadbat
    Explorer
    Jun 07, 2013
    you never hooked into 50 amps and your meter showed 122 volts not amps and dropped to 110Volts not amps.You cant use a EMS and autoformer in conjunction as i understand things>

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